Graduation Party Menu Ideas
Graduation parties should be about celebrating the graduate and catching up with friends and family, not about high-maintenance food. We've pulled together a few of our favorite easy, do-ahead recipes that work well for a crowd. Here's a sampling, but find the full menu here.
Grilled Beef Tenderloin
A beef tenderloin just naturally says party. It's impressive to serve, and our simply seasoned version requires very little preparation or maintenance during cooking. A few slices of this rich-tasting meat can be enjoyed hot off the grill, at room temperature, or even cold. Try it any way you want, but be sure to pass our two fabulous sauces - Horseradish Salsa and Creamy Lemon - to serve with it.
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Grilled Chicken Breasts
It's easy to grill chicken breasts a day or two ahead. Serve cold or at room temperature with one or all of our three complementary sauces: Peach Salsa, Walnut Sauce, and Parsley-Caper Sauce. If you prefer not to grill, we've included easy oven-poaching directions as well.
Artichoke and Mint Dip
It takes just 10 minutes to prepare this refreshing summer dip. Serve it with toasted baguettes and vegetables.
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Orzo Salad with Grape Tomatoes, Feta, and Mint
The classic Greek flavors of feta cheese, fresh mint, and olives give a tangy personality to this delicious pasta salad.
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Chunky Vegetable Bulgur Salad
This healthy party side dish is composed of lightly sautéed vegetables and bulgur wheat, a Middle Eastern grain that's high in fiber and protein, and low in fat and calories.
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Old-Fashioned Chocolate Layer Cake
Complete your graduation party menu with this tender triple-layer cake flavored with cocoa and frosted with an indulgent butter cream.
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What are your favorite do-ahead party recipes?
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Reprinted with permission of Hearst Communications, Inc.
